THREW Mikes EyEz

Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

This ride is done

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The VACATION is over. What a bummer. Seems to go faster than a roller coaster. Yeah I like to be employed, working and challenged, but VACATION is the greatest. I guess you have to be working hard, to appreciate it properly. I think I qualify. That’s why retirement will be so sweet. I have worked hard for 5 decades now and will probably register another one on top of that before I can think of retiring. And if health care goes the way of the proposed plan, I might never afford to retire because of the cost, and continue to need employer insurance.

But back to vacation. This one was a family one, and left me with a feeling of peace and contentment. Anytime I can aid in making my family happy, it’s a good day. And it was a good week. We all felt better and had a good time. Of course departing is tough. But I’m encouraged to stay even more in touch with them as we all get back to work.

Life is a roller coaster. Enjoy it.
Photo by Mike Hartley

Time passes too quickly to let any opportunity to share, laugh or just gather for a meal together pass by. That’s one reason I do this blog. So my family has a better idea of how much they mean to me and make my life complete. And to fill in the time between with what I’m seeing and thinking. But I’m also going to get back to writing them personal notes and thoughts. I was pretty good when they were away in college and when they got their own apartments and homes. But I’ve gotten lazy the last few years and haven’t just dropped them that personal note as often.

It has been great to have time to snap a few images, write a bit and get a mental refresh while on vacation. But it’s also inspired me to do a lot more than I have been. Yeah, I’ve gone through a couple of these phases and returned to my irregular posting and artistic ventures. And this might be no different but its worth another surge. Who knows, if I get in a consistent loop, things might just work out well.

Hope I’m entering a productive loop.
Photo by Mike Hartley

So we said goodbye to the beach yesterday. I’ll probably do a few day trips but it won’t be the same. My batteries will be missing. The sand between my toes will feel great as always but when I look to my left and right I won’t see the family. When I’m having my cherry ice cream soda from Dumser’s I won’t get a taste of my kids ice cream. When cruising down ocean highway I won’t hear a voice saying can we stop there or my children teasing each other. I won’t see that smile on my wife’s face while looking at the kids or our joy at showing each other trinkets we may buy them.


Here is a tip to save you some time watching and looking up weather. Its summer in Maryland. Chance of hot and humid and thunderstorms. Pick one, two or all three.

Ideas can be the germination of all happiness.

Boy, people around me age like all get out.

I don’t have a fear of spiders. I just don’t like them.

If the wind is at your back, you don’t feel the breeze. It’s good to face a stiff wind or breeze and walk or ride into it.

Author: Mike Hartley

With a lifetime and a half in the Newspaper industry I'm preparing for my retirement career as an Artist, Writer, Photographer and Video content provider. I'm a proud father of two wonderful children and I'm still married to the first girl I fell in love with and probably only one that would have me.

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